Politics
Germany has deployed ships for a possible mission in the Strait of Hormuz
Germany has sent two warships to the Red Sea amid discussions about a possible international mission in the Strait of Hormuz. No final decision has yet been taken on Berlin’s participation.
Belgium will transfer all its F-16 aircraft to Ukraine once it has received the F-35s
Belgium plans to transfer seven F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine later this year. In the future, the country may also transfer the remaining aircraft of this type once the transition to the F-35 is complete.
Zelenskyy is set to take part in the ‘Ramstein’ meeting and the EU summit in Brussels
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, is on a visit to Brussels. On Thursday, he will attend a meeting of the Contact Group on Defence Issues concerning Ukraine and take part in the European Union summit.
The President of the European Council is attempting to establish a channel of communication with the Kremlin for talks on Ukraine
The President of the European Council, António Costa, has initiated contacts with the Kremlin to discuss possible ways of bringing the war in Ukraine to an end. Preparatory work is being carried out through an informal channel of communication with representatives of the Russian side.
US intelligence believes that Iran is now capable of blocking the Strait of Hormuz at any time
US intelligence agencies have concluded that, following the latest conflict, Iran is capable of blocking the Strait of Hormuz at will. In Washington, it is believed that this has significantly strengthened Tehran’s influence on the global economy.
Trump will ask American companies to manufacture missiles in Europe for Ukraine
US President Donald Trump has stated that he will consider granting licences to American defence companies to manufacture weapons in Europe and Ukraine. If the decision is taken, it could mark a significant step forward for the European defence industry and substantially speed up arms deliveries to Ukraine.
Bulgaria has spoken out against some of the EU’s sanctions against Russia and Patriarch Kirill
Bulgaria does not support certain provisions of the European Union’s 21st package of sanctions against Russia, which is still being prepared for consideration. Sofia, in particular, opposes some of the energy restrictions and sanctions targeting Patriarch Kirill, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church.
Trump signed a paper copy of the memorandum between the US and Iran in Versailles
During his visit to France, US President Donald Trump signed a hard copy of the memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran. This took place following the G7 summit at the Palace of Versailles.
Von der Leyen wants to restrict the admission of Ukrainians to the EU
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is preparing a proposal to restrict the simplified admission of Ukrainians to EU countries. The changes are likely to affect men of conscription age.
Lubinec made contact with Belarus following accusations that Ukraine had attacked a bus carrying children
Dmytro Lubinets, the Verkhovna Rada’s Human Rights Commissioner, urgently contacted the Belarusian side following reports of an alleged attack by a Ukrainian drone on a coach carrying a children’s football team in the Bryansk region of the Russian Federation.
Zelenskyy and Rutte discussed strengthening Ukraine’s air defence and the implementation of the PURL programme
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, held a meeting in Brussels with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. The two sides discussed strengthening air defences, implementing agreements with partners and further support for Ukraine.
The Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office wants to confiscate the flat and parking space belonging to Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba
The Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) is asking the court to confiscate the flat and parking space belonging to Oleksiy Kuleba, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Community and Territorial Development.
